The only way of finding your best racquet is by trial and error.

The good news is that you like VT70 and seem to hit well with it. Who has an ex-demo for £80?

If you've read my article on choosing a racquet, you will know that you have to run through a series of questions before settling on your next racquet. You certainly need to understand your current favoured characteristics of a racquet. In time this may change if you continue to progress. But at least when you understand the characteristics that best suit you, it's certainly easier to narrow down which racquets to look at.

I'm looking forward to reading which racquet you eventually settle on.

Paul

There are a number of potential issues you may have from buying from a foreign website. 

1) you have to pay import duty on the goods

2) you lose all warranties because Yonex UK will not replace a racquet that is not purchased in UK if you break it. By this I mean the frame breaks and it is not caused by a collision.

3) it's costly to return the racquet if it breaks

4) how reliable is the website? Are they selling fake racquets?

 I'm not trying to put you off here but wish to point out a few truths.

I also saw your post on Badminton Central forum regards VT70 and VT80. I commend you for trying many places to get the information you crave. However, no amount of divided opinion, even if it's more biased to one particular racquet can be a substitute for playing with the racquet and getting a feel for its qualities.

Sadly your fake Arcsaber 10 will never play like a normal Arcsaber 10 so you cannot use that as a reference point when looking at a new racquet.

If your coach is Yonex sponsored then he shouldn't be selling his racquets as his contract prohibits it. If it's just a demo racquet, see if he will throw in a restring into the price. By the way, check the frame for marks and potential cracks. Do this in good light as you can see more.

You seem to have a fixation at the moment about these top racquets, as though they are going to transform your game. Be careful with this as it is dangerous. Some players buy a certain type of racquet because their favourite player uses the same racquet. Bad move. Pick what really suits your game.

If you are working with a coach, why not ask them to tell you more about racquets and see if they can get you a few more demo racquets to try. Coaches are generally in the know and stand more chance of borrowing racquets to help players like you make a choice.

I know this is tough right now and in some ways it may seem like we're not helping. However, we are by telling you the truth with the hope you'll discover what works for you. If it's the Voltric 70 then fine, but test a few more racquets before you make a final decision. I highly recommend VT5 or VT7 which cost less than VT70. I know players who have purchased these racquets and been delighted with them.

Paul

Many thanks again for your comments.

Here's what I think you should do. See if your coach can get you demo racquets of VT5 and VT7. Test these alongside VT70 and see if you can tell the difference. This will then give you a feel for the racquets. Also see if he can bring a couple of Arcsaber racquets, perhaps Arcsaber 10 so you can compare to your existing fake racquet. Now you're building up some experience.

Also Arcsaber 10 is a lot stiffer shaft so you will be able to feel whether you get more from the stiffer shaft than medium flex.

As a general rule, most intermediate players benefit from playing with a flexible or medium flex racquet. Stiff racquets can be too hard to get any power. But, there are always exceptions and you could be one of those.

My guess is if you can't feel much or any difference between VT5, VT7 or VT70 then perhaps you're not ready to move up to VT80. I would then question spendinig so much on VT70 and it's probably better to buy either one or two of the model you choose, so you always have a spare.

I know a guy who's been on my courses at Lilleshall and has become a very good player. I got him demo models of the same racquets you mentioned and he ended up buying a couple of VT5's and absolutely loves them. I also saved him a fortune.

Paul

Many thanks for the update.

There are so many reasons why one player can hit a shuttle so much harder than other. The big three are

1) technique

2) footwork

3) genetics

You can train all three however there is only a small amount you can do with the genetics section. What this relates to is the proportion of fast twitch muscle fibres compared to slow twitch muscle fibres you possess. I understand you can increase the number proportion of fast twitch muscle fibres in certain areas e.g. arms but you'd really need to see a specialist trainer and get more advice on this.

With trainers in mind, I hope you are following a program as you use the gym. If not see if you can get one which is more badminton specific as it may help you a little.

As you work with a coach, I expect they are already making strides to resolve your technique and footwork challenges. If so, you should be seeing better results in your smash.

Notice I didn't mention racquets in my big three. Personally, I would test string and string tension over a new racquet on the proviso I had a decent racquet to begin with. Sadly, a fake Yonex Arc 10 does not count.

For now, do  a little testing and report back on your discovery so far.

Good luck

Paul